A compilation of help and advice for people going through the PIP assessment process

I have had a great deal of information, advice and useful links sent my way because of the first video in this on-going tale of my PIP Assessment Hell.  As I don’t want this to all be about me, I want to share this information with viewers of my videos, some of whom may be going through the same ordeal.

This is not everything because I’ve had so many comments sent to me but as I find the information, advice and links I’ve been sent I will add them.  I will also be adding credit for the source of each piece I include on this listing as and when/if I get permission to use their names.

This list is not exhaustive and there may be more help available so if you find any links, have any advice or information, please add it as a comment to whichever video you are watching and I’ll add it to this listing.  (Please let me know if you wish me to use your name to credit you with your help if your screen name isn’t your name.)

If I have missed out any information that I have been sent, I sincerely apologise to those whose help has been erroneously omitted.  If your information, advice or useful link is missing, please contact me so I can add it.

Information

If you have anything not in this list, you can use that to tell them they are not qualified enough and walk back out again.

List of conditions judged suitable for assessment by neuro trained nurses/any health care profession:

Prolapsed intervertebral disc

Lumbar nerve root compression

Sciatica

Slipped disc

Lumbar spondylosis

Lumbar spondylolisthesis

Lumbar spondylolysis

Cauda equina syndrome

Spinal stenosis

Peripheral neuropathy

Neuropathy

Drop foot

Meralgia paraesthetica

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical nerve root compression

Cervicalgia

Nerve entrapment syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Trapped nerve

Paraesthesia

Tingling

Numbness

Brachial plexus injury

Polyneuropathy

Dizziness

Vertigo

Essential Tremor

VWF

Alzheimer’s

List of conditions judged by the DWP and Atos Healthcare as suitable only for assessment by doctors:

Stroke

Head injury with neuro sequelae

Brain haemorrhage

Sub Arachnoid Haemorrhage

Brain tumour

Acoustic Neuroma

Multiple Sclerosis

Motor Neurone Disease

Parkinson’s disease

TIAs

Bulbar Palsy

Myasthenia Gravis

Muscular Dystrophy

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Syringomyelia

Neurofibromatosis

Spina bifida

Polio

Fits (secondary to brain tumour)

Learning difficulties (with physical problems)

Nystagmus

Myelitis

Bells Palsy

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Paraplegia

Quadriplegia

Huntington’s Chorea

Huntington’s Disease

(List provided by John Greene)

Useful Links

https://www.mind.org.uk/media/1972550/mind_applying-for-pip_singles4-final.pdf

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

(Links provided by Simone Illger)

http://dabd.org.uk/our-services/welfare-benefits/welfare-benefits-advice

https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/The%20Personal%20Independence%20Payment%20%28PIP%29%20toolkit%20-%20GOV.UK.html?token=AWxcGuRs2j4Nc4eRsONKphfihUq3m8Ox3t-5Bmuv8zxhmQala9YVIPNbHyR2f5VmynGzpcqXbHMDAwRmqCJh-uggZiAlT5oKgEgwGlsEpTWHt0B0Xjd03N_VpaCVY8Vt09-IF1_h9IZwRCxMbgRusrJcvSTg__hGAhfC4LDXzHr-Jw

(Links provided by Adrian Wait)

https://www.facebook.com/TONYSADVOCACY/?hc_location=ufi

(Link provided)

http://together-uk.org/

(Link provided by Pete Logan)

https://www.facebook.com/changes.northstaffs/?hc_location=ufi

(Link provided by Steve Jones)

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/

(Link provided by Rachel Carthy)

Advice

1. Benefits and Work is a company that helps benefit claimants get the ones they are entitled to, helping to prepare their case and giving them all the info they need. There are booklets on various aspects of benefit claims. It is not free, but seems reasonable to my mind. Their Email is campaign@benefitsandwork.co.uk.
2. Also, although The Citizens Advice Bureau (in phone book, or look online) in your area may be very busy, it's worth trying them for help. They have an online help database but you need face to face support I think. They have phone helplines and local offices
3. There is also DPAC, Disabled People Against the Cuts, I don't know if they are only campaigners or if they can advise individual people. Find them online.
4. You should have a support worker through your GP, I'd think. If you do, that person could go with you to the appointment, and maybe also help you prepare all the documents you need. You can ask your doctor.
5. There are lawyers who specialise in appeals against DWP decisions, some work through the C.A.B., free, others in welfare centres or commercially. You may get a half hour free from a socially responsible lawyer apart from that, to give you advice.
6. Your local MP might get you support or advise you.
7. Do you belong to a Church? There can be a very supportive community in a Church, who could help. Your Vicar or Priest would be in the phone book. I wish I could promise results. But know there are caring people around if you are lucky enough to find them.

(Provided by Patricia Stephanie Lowe who would like it made clear that she is not a professional benefits advisor)

Some Information From A Former PIP Assessor (contains advice from a former PIP assessor)

https://samedifference1.com/2016/10/28/some-information-from-a-former-pip-assessor/

When you have been to your assessment contact DWP and ask for a copy of the notes that the health professional took down.

(Provided by Catherine Heal)

This information is the product of the out-pouring of genuine compassion and generosity that I am happy to spread around to those who need it.  Stay strong.  Don't let the bastards get you down!